GARGULA

Very nice band from Brazil. This is their only work to date and it is totally instrumental, with very strong classical roots. Violinist Kleber Vogel leads this project with talent and I really like the inclusion of the mandolin on some tracks. While the music on the CD´s first half is not really my favorite kind of symphonic prog (too classical music and not enough rock), I have to say they are very good on what they do and I throughly enjoyed the CD. The album´s second part is where the best stutff is (it is more rocking). Runas is the song I like the most, with many variations and a fine synth solo in the middle. It reminded me of Italian symphonic prog rock of the 70´s at its best and it brings back memories of some other brazlian bands at the time like Terço. The last track, Kaisen, is also a highlight where the prog and classical elements fuse perfectly for a great moment of beauty (Vogel´s has his best solo here). All the musicians are skillful and the production is quite good.

It is only a pity that they didn´t release anything since then. They certainly have an enourmous potential to go much further and I hope they will release a second album someday. My rating: 3,5 stars.